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Classroom Family Activities Learning Toys and Games

5 Educational Board Games To Play With Your Kids

Playing board games with your kids can have many benefits. Board games can get your kids away from the screen and allow you to enjoy some family bonding time. On top of this, many board games can have educational benefits while still being very fun.

Educational Board Games To Play With Your Kids

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Best Educational Board Games to Play With Kids

Chess

Chess is one of the oldest board games that is still played today. It’s a great game for teaching problem solving and strategy skills. In order to win, you need to keep track of all the pieces on the board while planning your moves ahead.

On top of traditional chess boards, there are chess boards available in all different themes from Harry Potter chess boards to Disney chess boards. You can teach chess to kids as young as 6 as this guide explains, although older kids are likely to appreciate the game more. Chess is a 2 player game, making it better suited to one-on-one time. 

*If you are looking for board games for younger kids, check out this post: 12 of the Best Games For Kids

Scrabble

Scrabble encourages players to earn points by forming words. On top of being a great game for expanding your child’s vocabulary, Scrabble helps kids to develop math skills through adding up points and forming patterns. Plus, it helps with teaching forward planning.

You can play Scrabble with up to four players. As with chess, older kids are likely to appreciate Scrabble more.

If you run out of word ideas, don’t worry. There are lots of tools online that can help you play scrabble better such as this word unscrambler tool.

Monopoly

Monopoly encourages players to buy property around a board until one person owns all the property. It’s a great game for teaching kids money management because in order to win, you need to be able to budget well and take calculated risks.

On top of the classic version of Monopoly, there are now many other versions themed around everything from Star Wars to Pokémon. You can play Monopoly with up to eight players, making it ideal for large families.

Qwirkle

Qwirkle is a game that involves matching colors and shapes using tiles. On top of helping to build logical skills through patterns, Qwirkle is a great game for teaching strategy much like chess or Scrabble (in fact, it’s a bit like a combination of chess and dominoes).

The game is easy to set up and can be played by all ages. Up to four players can play Qwirkle at a time. 

The World Game

If you’re looking for a game to teach geography skills, The World Game is the perfect option. Players compete to find the strongest fact about a country and win.

In doing so, players learn trivia about various countries from capital cities to flags. The game also teaches map orientation, helping kids to work out exactly where countries are in the world. It’s suitable for players of all ages and can be played with up to five players. 

Educational Board Games To Play With Your Kids

Learning doesn’t have to be boring, and you don’t have to force it on your kids. By finding the right ways to help them learn, you can have fun and bond while doing it. Board games are the perfect thing for that because they are fun and educational.

What are your favorite educational board games to play with your kids? Tell me in the comments!

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Big kid fun Family Activities How To Infant/Toddler Learning Learning Parenting Toddler and Preschool Age Fun Toddler and Preschool Age Learning Toys Toys and Games

What Are Some Of The Ways You Can Encourage Imaginative Play?

Encouraging your child to use their imagination is very important. After all, this is an essential step in their learning process as it helps them develop skills and learn. The best way to get your child’s imagination working is through imaginative play. After all, if something seems fun, then your child will instantly be more responsive and involved.

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Luckily, there are quite a few imagination-based toys available in stores and on the internet. Even better, many toys for imaginative play are popular with young children. You’ll be able to find the perfect one for your kiddo that they will love.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Click these links for a few ideas for pretend play that your kids will love:

There are also online play options and virtual school assemblies. This means that you are not faced with a shortage of options to choose from.

This blog post aims to give you a helping hand with this by simply providing you with some tips and suggestions regarding the promotion of imaginative play.

Figure Out What Type of Imaginative Play Your Child Likes

The key is to try out a few different things to discover what type of imaginative play your child likes. Stick with things that let them use their mind to unlock the door of their imagination.

There are lots of great toys available that are based around role-playing. One of the most popular options to go for is a kid’s kitchen. This gives your child their very own area of space where they can pretend to cook and create different meals.

This helps them because they will be able to become more familiar with different kitchen activities. Plus, they can use their imagination to create different scenarios.

Buy a Dollhouse

Another good option is to buy a dollhouse. These are great because they promote creativity as well as imagination. Your child will be able to decorate the rooms in the house and think of different scenarios between the dolls. Plus, this helps the child learn about family dynamics, the roles of different individuals, and the makings of a household.

Encourage Imaginative Dress-Up

There are lots of different dress-up costumes available from toy stores, and it is another good option to go for. After all, what better way to let your imagination run wild and get into true character than dressing up as something? The choices for dress-up are never-ending, and it is a good idea to let your little one pick which outfit they likes best.

Consider Other Play Home Items

If you are looking for something which is smaller or more affordable than a play kitchen, then there are lots of scaled-down sets. These sets encourage kids to learn different life skills. You can get cake baking sets, laundry sets, coffee making sets, and much, much more.

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As you can see, there are several different ways in which you can get your child’s imagination working. Hopefully, the tips to promote imaginative play given in this article will have provided you with some ideas and inspiration. What are some ways your kids enjoy imaginative play? Leave a comment and let me know!

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Family Activities Life Parenting

9 Enjoyable Activities To Kill Time On Weekends

According to the American Time Use Survey, one-third of Americans work during the weekend. This statistic is worrisome given how much most people use weekends to relax and unwind from their work week’s demands. It is important to find enjoyable activities to fill your weekend with, even if there is work to do.

In fact, a 2008 study proved that workers feel more vitalized and are in better moods during weekends. This could be because weekends aren’t as stressful or because you can spend time with your loved ones. With that being said, make sure you don’t waste your precious weekends.

There are many fun and enjoyable activities you can do to have a great weekend. These enjoyable activities can make your weekends more fulfilling.

Enjoyable Activities for the Weekend

1. Road Trips

An OnePoll survey revealed that 64% of Americans want to take a spontaneous road trip vacation. Road trips have numerous benefits that make them worth it for your weekend to-do list. They are an inexpensive means of traveling, take your mind off work, and give you time to reflect.

These trips also present an excellent opportunity for you to adventurously explore the countryside, enjoy good music, and take a break from social media.

So, why not gather your family or friends for a classic road trip during weekends? It is a fun way of relaxing and making unforgettable memories.

2. Volunteering

Volunteering is an excellent way to spend your weekend in a fulfilling manner. Local animal shelters, homeless shelters, and soup kitchens always seek people to help with numerous activities. Therefore, consider volunteering during weekends to connect to your community and make it a better place.

Aside from helping out with little tasks to make a difference in people’s lives, community service can also be a social platform to boost your social skills, make new friends with similar values, and expand your network. Research from the London School of Economics also establishes a relationship between volunteering and happiness, so consider doing something worthwhile during weekends to give back to your community.

3. Solving a Jigsaw Puzzle

Tackling jigsaw puzzles is a fun and engaging way to pass the time. According to science, these puzzles are suitable for your brain because they engage your left brain (logical) and your right brain (intuitive and creative) simultaneously.

Puzzles also boost your short-term memory, improve your visual-spatial reasoning, relieve stress, and are an excellent meditation tool. You also benefit from increased attention to detail, increased problem-solving abilities, and a potential IQ boost. Are you up for a good challenge yet? Why not challenge yourself with the world’s hardest jigsaw puzzle for a memorable weekend experience?

4. Visit a Museum or Art Gallery

Your busy daily life leaves little room for art appreciation, so consider using weekends as an opportune time for this. Slip away to a nearby museum or art gallery to see some cool relics and art.

Visiting museums and art galleries is also pocket-friendly because many places are free to enter or require just a little fee to admit visitors. Museums and galleries engage you on a broad range of cultural and historical events, providing an effective, informal learning method that you can benefit from.

Museums and art galleries are also social centers where you can meet people with similar interests. So, consider a museum or gallery visit as part of your weekend plans.

5. DIY Projects

According to new research, the average American has about nine DIY projects that need immediate attention. Many homeowners describe their house as a work in progress, so DIY is a popular, cost-effective method for people to maintain their property.

Chances are, your busy work week robs you of time to focus on repainting your bedroom or laying that new carpet. As such, set aside weekends as a perfect time to tackle these tasks around your home.

6. Learn a New Skill

Information is abundant in this technological age, so you must use this to your advantage. You will most likely not find time to squeeze in lessons for something practical and helpful during your workweek, making weekends an excellent time for you to improve your vast knowledge.

You can learn skills like repairing cars, website design, how to start a blog, sewing, coding, etc., from YouTube videos or tutorials. Also, consider enrolling in practical online classes like the MasterClass program to improve your skills and interests in a broad range of topics.

7. Community Sports

Weekends are an opportune time to indulge in sports and recreation. Science repeatedly stresses the importance of regular exercise for maintaining your overall health and wellbeing. Therefore, joining a community sports team is a great way to engage in some physical activity for optimum health benefits.

Weekend sports and recreation also provide an avenue for self-expression because it allows you to engage in your sports interests. So, it would be best to sign up for that football, hockey, cricket, or basketball team for weekend games to exercise while also meeting new people.

8. Play Board Games

Board games remain an entertainment staple in most homes despite the internet’s influence in today’s world. Timeless classics like Snakes and Ladders, Chess, Checkers, Monopoly, and Scrabble are always available to turn to during your free time.

As such, you can gather the family or invite your friends over for an engaging board game marathon over the weekend. Board games reduce stress, boost brain function, and strengthens relationships.

Also, board games provide an excellent alternative to digital distractions like your phone, so these games should always feature in your weekend to-do list.

For board game ideas for kids, check out this blog post: https://momwifewine.com/2020/08/02/12-of-the-best-games-for-kids/

9. Read a Book

Reading is a pastime most people say they want to engage more in but lack the time for. A hectic work week typically interferes with your ability to find the time and mental freedom to enjoy good reads.

Reading provides mental stimulation, reduces stress, increases your knowledge, and expands your vocabulary. Reading’s engaging nature also improves your concentration and develops your analytical thinking skills.

As such, prioritize re-reading your favorite classics and new recommendations from fellow readers as an excellent way to relax and enjoy your weekends. There are also many books to read with your kids that you will all enjoy.

enjoyable activities

While many people work on weekends, these should be the times to enjoy life and relax. Find something you love to do and spend time with those you love. Don’t let your weekends get away from you without creating everlasting memories.

What enjoyable activities do you like to do on the weekend? Tell me about it in the comments!

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Adulting Family Activities How To

Leading A More Environmentally Friendly Lifestyle

In recent years, there’s been a huge focus on climate change, waste production, and carbon footprints. The situation is growing more serious with each day that passes. It isn’t too late to change, however, and leading a more environmentally friendly lifestyle can help.

Mother Nature is simply unable to cope under all of the pressure. There are side effects such as extreme weather and rising sea levels occurring all over the world.

You may think that you can’t do much to change this as one individual, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Every positive change that you make will have an effect on the planet, no matter how small it may seem.

Your changes may even inspire those around you to rethink and adapt too. So, there’s no time like the present to start leading a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.

If you want to find out more about how you can reduce your impact on the environment, then read on to uncover some of the best tips and tricks.

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Image Source – Pexels 

The Big Food Debate 

Food is essential and you can’t live without, but it’s a huge environmental issue that needs to be discussed. Far too many people do not know where their food comes from. Or, they simply aren’t alarmed when they find out that their fruits and vegetables have flown halfway around the world.

Globalization is not a beneficial advancement when considering environmental conservation. It requires ‘fresh’ produce to take a car, ship, and plane to reach your plate. One of the best things that you can do to reduce your carbon footprint is to eat local. Find a passionate local farmer or market where you can purchase fruits and vegetables that are in season locally.

Cooking your meals based on which produce is in season ensures that you can maintain variety while cutting your funds to exotic GMO producers. It is far from natural to see the same fruits and vegetables available all year round.

To add to this, the production process utilized in the animal agriculture business produces more carbon than all modes of transport combined. This makes meat one of the most environmentally unfriendly options you can choose. Attempting to follow a plant-based diet with no animal products will have a dramatic effect on your carbon footprint.

Sustainable Power 

Sustainable power is growing in popularity, whether this means investing in an electric car or sourcing a solar installer to add panels to your home. Utilizing finite resources such as coal and gas is not a long-term plan, as these resources will soon run dry and an alternative must be found.

Wind farms, hydropower, and solar panels are the energy of the future, as they utilize natural occurrences to source their power. It’s so inspiring to see such a wealth of investment reaching the sustainable power industry, but now it’s your turn to get involved! 

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What do you think you and your family can do to become more environmentally friendly? Leave a comment and let me know!

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Big Kid Big kid fun Family Activities Free Activities How To Outside Fun Sensory Play Teenager Toddler and Preschool Age Learning

Can You Grow a Pine Tree From a Pine Cone? A Lesson In Sustainability For Kids

I saw this picture being shared on Facebook and Pinterest where a pinecone was planted into soil. The photo showed that the pine cone was about half-buried in soil, with the top half sticking out. There were sprouts coming from the top of the pinecone, indicating that it’s possible to grow a pine tree from a pine cone.

This left me wondering… is it possible? Can you really grow a pine tree from a pine cone?

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The Research About Growing a Pine Tree From a Pine Cone

I tried to find information about this, and couldn’t find a conclusive answer. Just when I thought I had, someone else had a different point to make.

I couldn’t find any accounts of someone successfully going a pine tree from a pine cone. Plus, many people did explain that it is pretty much impossible.

Some people thought it would work, though, and I just have to test the image that was floating around.

With that being said, I found literally no confirmed answer. I couldn’t even find a source for the image that was floating around social media. **Updated to add that the social media image can be found here**

The Information We Did Find

Before we tried this for ourselves, I assigned our teenager the task of learning a couple of things about pine trees. She had to share the information with the younger siblings before we went around the yard hunting for pine cones.

One of the things she shared was that there are male and female pine cones. Am I the only adult who didn’t know this?!

With that fun fact, we took all of the pine cones we collected and played a game. We made teams and worked together to sort the pine cones into two pines; male and female. We also learned that the female pine cones are the ones that carry the seeds.

Finally, we learned that trees produce oxygen and that oxygen is what we breathe.

can you grow a pine tree from a pine cone, sustainability for kids, teaching kids about the environment, earth day, love our earth

Growing Pine Trees From Pine Cones

So, since I couldn’t find the actual answer online, we decided to figure it out for ourselves.

Materials

  • Empty 2-liter soda bottle
  • X-acto knife (or you can use a pocket knife)
  • Soil
  • Pinecone

This is the exact knife I used. I use it for pretty much everything, to be honest. LOL.

Yes, that’s an affiliate link, which means I’ll make a small commission at no additional cost to you. I truly do use this x-acto knife and stand behind it, however.

Instructions

1. Cut the soda bottle so that you only have the bottom portion left. Say, 1/4 of the bottle.

2. Add soil to the soda bottle bottom.

3. Create a hole in the soil that is big enough to fit 1/2 of the pinecone.

4. Fill dirt back in around the pinecone. Only the top half should be showing.

5. Water everyday and monitor the progress.

can you grow a pine tree from a pine cone, sustainability for kids, teaching kids about the environment, earth day, love our earth

Did it work?!

Ok, so since we know that this method for growing a tree isn’t for sure going to work, just bear with me. I’ll update on the progress (if there is any) right away.

In the meantime, however, do this project with us!! Help your kids plant their pinecone so you can see for yourself if it is possible to grow a pine tree from a pine cone.

We’re all looking for ways to teach kids from home, so why not mix in a fun science lesson?

What do you think will happen? Is it possible to grow a pine tree from a pine cone?

I had the kids all draw pictures of what they think will happen. Nevaeh was the only one who thought we would have to remove the seeds from the pinecone to grow a tree. The others thought the tree would grow from the pinecone.

Lets be honest, I think Nevaeh is right. Tell me what you think.

Will a tree begin to grow out of the planted pinecone? Tell me the reason behind your answer! I can’t wait to see what everyone thinks!

Need another project idea?

Check out this paper mache diamondback rattlesnake! Using paper mache is so easy, and the post has a recipe to make it with ingredients you already have on hand!

Paper mache, school art projects, art projects, 3D art, creativity for kids, paper mache diamondback rattlesnake
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Big Kid Family Activities Free Activities How To Kindergarten Age Life Parenting Teenager Toddler and Preschool Age Fun

15 Fun and Easy Ways to Keep Kids Busy at Home

When you’re stuck at home with your kids, you might all go a little stir crazy. You can avoid it and have some fun by learning how to keep kids busy at home.

Some of these ideas will require assistance and/or participation from you (or another adult or older sibling). Of course, I know you will need ideas for how to keep kids busy so you can get stuff done, too, so there is plenty of activities for that on the list, too.

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How to Keep Your Kids Busy at Home

1. Help them or encourage them to set up an obstacle course.

The older your kids are, the more likely they will be to do this independently. Be prepared to have to attempt the obstacle course in the end, however.

For younger kids, you may have to assist them in the setting up process, and then teach them how to get through the obstacle course. You may be able to back off eventually and let them make their way through the course on their own.

2. Do a craft.

This doesn’t have to be hard! One of my favorites this week was using old magazines to make collages. All of my kids loved this craft, even the teenager.

Simply supply each kid with a magazine or two, a glue stick, and scissors. Then let them have fun and create whatever they want. Likewise, other engaging activities for kids include face painting. Interestingly, you can buy face paint for kids from online stores; these colors are safe for children to use. It pushes the kids to explore their creativity and try out new crafts. 

There are so many other crafts, however, so be creative and do whatever you think your kids will like. You’ll also have to decide how hands-on you want to be during the craft, too, before deciding on one.

3. Set up a sensory bin.

I love sensory bins!! You don’t have to have a sensory table to enjoy sensory play. All you need is a container such as a medium-sized tote or a large bowl. Then, fill it with whatever you think your kids will enjoy for a while.

Sometimes I just go with soap and water in the sensory bin, or I will dye rice. Other times I get fancier and do a shark-themed sensory bin. Oh, another favorite was our frog sensory bin! There are so many options.

4. Make something out of paper mache: How to keep kids busy

A few years ago, our son had to do a project where he created a 3-D animal. He chose to make a paper mache diamond-back rattlesnake. This project ended up being one of the best he’s ever done, and it gave us all a new-found love of paper mache.

These types of projects are so much easier than they sound and actually require only a few ingredients. Kids can make whatever they want, or you can challenge them to make something specific.

Click here for an easy paper mache recipe.

5. Have a push-up competition: How to keep kids busy

I’m excited for this one! My kids love to compete with one another, and I think even our 12 and 15-year-old will have fun with it. Actually, it may keep my husband busy for a while, too. If you have a gym or workout space, you could even make a day of it. Or if not, creating a purpose built space to entertain your kids could be great.

With a great contractor and basement waterproofing company, it will take no time at all and give you the exact space you need to have more fun as a family. Either way, spending time having a mini olympics or sports day can be fun for the whole family. Make sure someone is counting out loud, too!

6. Have them work on puzzles.

While I’m working from home, puzzles are one of my go-to options when the kids want to be right next to me. I get out a few wooden puzzles for them to choose from

One of the choices is always an alphabet puzzle and as they put it together I’ll call out a random letter that they have to find next. It’s helping with letter recognition along with keeping them busy. I’ve also been having my littles practice their name with the letters.

7. Let them play with and write on sticky notes.

So at first, I was completely against this idea. I didn’t want my sticky notes wasted. htat quickly changed when I realized that my kids left me alone for a bit when I let them use the sticky notes. A small price to pay.

My son has been having me write math problems out on sticky notes for him and then he solves them. My daughter has been practicing writing her name on them. Other times they make random pictures and stick them in random places, but that’s okay, too.

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8. Write a letter on a piece of paper and have your child write it in different colors.

My kids love this one because I pull out my “special” markers for it. Really, these markers are just the ones I hide from the kids so they don’t get lost or dried out.

Sometimes I even let them use glitter pens or a mixture of many different writing instruments.

9. Challenge them to build a Lego or block tower.

Tell them to make it bigger or wider than they ever have before, and to keep it a surprise until they are 100% finished. This should buy you a little time to get things done with kids in the house.

After that is done, you can always challenge them to make different things out of Legos. Be creative and come up with fun ideas that they’ll be excited about.

*Check out my Pinterest board called “Legos” for ideas!”

10. Set up an art center.

Before you get busy doing your own thing for the day, set up a small art center for your kiddos. This could include blank paper, markers or crayons, glue, some colored paper, or any little add-ons you can find to put in the bin.

If you want a themed art center, just go with whatever holiday or season is coming up and offer colors pertaining to that. You can use whatever you have around your house, or you can head to a dollar tree to grab a couple of seasonal items that they can use for artwork.

11. Find a free electronic resource for your kids to use.

Right now, many companies are offering free online resources for kids. This is to ensure every child has the chance to learn something new. A few good ones are Scholastic and ABC Mouse.

My 12-year-old has been loving the Scholastic lessons because they are about things that are interesting to him, and my 3-year-old has been really enjoying ABC Mouse. I think finding the right online source for your child based on their interests and their age group is important, but there are resources for all kids right now.

12. Blow up balloons: How to keep kids busy

No, I’m not kidding. This keeps ALL of my kids busy for a while. There are so many different things they can do with balloons. From playing indoor volleyball or balloon soccer to simply throwing the balloons at each other, they have fun for such a long time when I randomly blow up balloons.

13. Have a board game day.

Pull out yours and your child’s favorite board games and spend a few hours (or the entire day) playing games together. This is great bonding time, and your kid will love the time you spent with them. If you can’t play for such a long time, play a game or two and then suggest that they play with their siblings.

Since I have big kids and little kids, this gets a bit trickier, but it’s still possible. The other night we played Monopoly Voice Banking, which is our 12 year old’s favorite game. The littles wanted to play, too, of course, and instead of sending them away we formed “teams”.

Each little (there’s 3 of them) chose one big person’s team to be on. The little was responsible for rolling the dice and moving the piece (with help when needed), and the big person was responsible for the rest of the turn. We had very little argument or whining during the game and everyone had a good time!

14. Remember, it’s National Reading Awareness Month.

There are TONS of ideas out there to celebrate reading month. This could be as easy as pulling out your child’s school calendar and copying what your child would have been doing at school that day to celebrate. Otherwise, you can check out my blog post about Fun Ways to Celebrate National Reading Month.

15. Play hide and seek

We’ve already played in the house, in the backyard, and in the front yard since our social distancing began. The kids love this game and its one that can be played with parents or with siblings. Even better, it’s actually fun for everyone.

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Recap: How to Keep Kids Busy

There are many ideas for keeping your kids busy, but it’s sometimes hard to think of them when you need them most. This post can help.

What do you do to keep your kids busy? Leave a comment and let me know!

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Family Activities Holiday How To Parenting

March Momma-razzi Box: A Review

If you’re anything like me, you love having cute, themed photos of your kids, but you hate paying the price for a photoshoot with a professional for each holiday. This is where the Momma-razzi box comes into play.

Because I don’t want to have to pay for seasonal and holiday photos each and every time, I always try to take my own cute holiday photos of my kids, and they always seem to be lacking. I realized it’s because I don’t have enough props!

Professionals always have the best props, right?! Luckily, I learned about something called a Momma-razzi Box. This box is full of cute props and other items to make these candid photoshoots something to remember and treasure forever!

*Disclaimer: I received the March Momma-razzi Box for free in exchange for this review. The opinions in this blog post are 100% my own, and I stand behind everything I have written.*

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Inside the Box

I received the “mini-box”, and I was pleasantly surprised by all of the stuff inside! It was a cute added touch that the balloons were placed inside classy gold envelopes, too. Let’s start at the beginning, however, and not just with the cute envelopes.

I opened the box and the first thing I found was an envelope with directions for using the items in the box, and a list of everything I’d find inside.

Then, as I dug deeper into the box, I found the following items:

  • a white backdrop/flooring
  • white balloons
  • colored, twisty balloons
  • gold coins
  • green shamrocks
  • an air pump for the balloons (definitely appreciated!)

Setting Up The Momma-razzi Box Photo Shoot

This was so easy to set up! I actually used thumb tacks to hold the backdrop up on a wall. Then, I blew up all of the balloons.

The colorful balloons were intended to look like a rainbow once they were all together, so I set them up that way. I taped them together because they wouldn’t stay in place otherwise.

I popped so many balloons trying to do this, and that was the biggest issue I ran into. At one point, I had a full rainbow with all colors, but I kept losing balloons as we went along. You’ll notice that I have no red or blue in my rainbow in my photos! Oops.

Then, I twisted 3 white balloons together and added them to the ends of the rainbow. I also randomly laid out some of the white balloons, the gold coins, and the shamrocks. It was that easy, and the photoshoot was ready.

What My Kids Thought

My kids actually love having their pictures taken. They think it’s even more fun when it feels like a real photoshoot, so this was so exciting for them.

They loved seeing the photos afterward and wanted to keep taking more and more pictures. It was definitely a hit.

Once we were done, my 5 year old had fun making designs out of the props.

Final Thoughts on the March Momma-razzi Box

This box made our holiday photoshoot so easy and so much fun! I’ll definitely be ordering these for many other holidays and photoshoots to come. It would be easy to add additional items to the photoshoot, too, to personalize it even more.

The only issue I had was that the balloons popped SO easily, but that could have been on me LOL. Next time I’ll be much more careful with them. I plan on using the little props in a sensory table now that I’m done with them, especially since the kids are off school for three weeks!

What do you think?! If you want to order a box for yourself, check out Cassandra Barksdale’s CrateJoy website at www.cratejoy.com/subscription-box/life-lit-up/.

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Big Kid Big kid fun crafts Family Activities How To Parenting Toddler and Preschool Age Fun Toddler and Preschool Age Learning

5 Fun Ways to Celebrate National Reading Awareness Month

National Reading Awareness Month is one of my favorite times of the year. I don’t know what it is, but it’s a good mix of many books with excuses to read. Plus, the weather is slightly warmer, so I’m feeling good all around. Then, the kids get to dress up in fun outfits each day for school, making the month that much more exciting.

Since the school celebrates so heavily and has the kids dress up for National Reading Month, I wanted some fun ways to celebrate at home, too. Participating outside of school ensures that our kids understand reading is important (and fun!) at home AND school. It’s also a way for younger children to participate if they haven’t started school yet.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

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Ways to Celebrate National Reading Month

1. Make it memorable and fun

Making the book and reading experience memorable is easy to do. You can do crafts related to the book, make snacks, or do any other activity that will help engrain that book into your child’s mind. Not only will they remember the book better, but they’ll have fun while doing it, encouraging more reading.

Other ideas to make a book memorable include acting them out or having your child re-tell the story. Drawing the story also helps and allows your child to get creative.

Check out these crafts based on books that my kids have done:

2. Make each book a learning opportunity

Try not to read a book and forget it right afterward. Find ways to help your child learn from the book. You can do this by discussing themes in the books such as kindness, trying again after failure, and others you notice or want to touch on.

Another simple way to make sure the learning aspect sticks is to talk to your kids about it. I like to do this while I’m tucking them in at night, but you can bring it up anytime. You can recall the ideas you learn from a story in any situation, and it helps your child make a connection and understand the lesson.

3. Read in different ways during Reading Awareness Month

Switching up the reading methods helps the story stick in their head. Some of the different ways to read include having the children read the book aloud or taking turns reading (I read a page, the child reads a page, etc.). Another fun method that kids seem to like is listening to the story on YouTube while seeing the words on the screen. Of course, it’s best to read with them as a bonding experience, too, but videos can be highly beneficial.

You can also build a fort with the child and then read books inside the fort. Another idea is to have the child read to a pet or stuffed animal. The possibilities for reading in different ways with your kids are endless.

4. Dress up as favorite book characters

This fun way to celebrate National Reading Awareness Month is probably my absolute favorite. Help your child pick out some clothes or accessories to dress up as a favorite book character or even as a character from a brand new book that you’ve just read together. You don’t have to have the exact costume, so be creative in making the look come to life.

Parents and older siblings can get in on this one, and it’s fun for everyone! I’ve been obsessively referring back to a blog post about a teacher who dressed up as a different book character every day. If you’re interested, check it out by clicking this link: PHraseD

5. Surprise your kids with a new book or two

As a kid (and even now, let’s be honest), nothing got me more excited about reading than getting a new book. My kids are the same way. You can take them to the store and let them choose their own, or you can surprise them with a new book that you picked out!

My kids and I are obsessed with Bookroo, a book subscription service for kids. They offer options for all ages and reading levels, including chapter books for middle grades. It’s so much fun and gives your kiddos something to look forward to even after reading month is over.

New favorites delivered monthly!

Best Books for Kids of All Ages to Celebrate National Reading Awareness Month

If you need some ideas, some of my favorite children’s books include:

For more ideas (specifically throwback books) that you and your child would love reading together, check out my post 10 Nostalgic Books to Read With Your Kids (or Alone).

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Final Thoughts On Fun Ways to Celebrate National Reading Awareness Month

Reading month is so much fun for me, but I know that it doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Luckily, there are fun ways for everyone to celebrate National Reading Awareness Month, even those who don’t love to read.

With this month being all about reading awareness, it’s the perfect time to teach our kids the different ways they can make reading fun. What are you doing to celebrate reading month? Tell me about it in the comments!

National Reading Awareness Month, March is Reading Month, Books for kids, best books, favorite books, celebrate reading, books to read with your kids
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Big Kid Big kid fun Family Activities Holiday Parenting Teenager

13 Random Acts of Kindness to Do With Kids

February 17th marks National Random Acts of Kindness Day in 2020. With the date approaching, I want to celebrate the day with my kiddos. I’ve been working on teaching them how to be kind to others, so it’s the perfect opportunity to practice.

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Random Acts of Kindness to Do With Your Kids

1. Compliment someone

A simple compliment can make someone’s day. Teach your kids to say nice things about those around them. Whether you compliment someone at the grocery store or you have your kids compliment one another at home, this is a good habit for them to form.

2. Pick up trash outside

There is no better way to do a kindness for others than by taking care of the environment. Walk around the neighborhood or a local park and clean up trash. Have the kids wear gloves or put a plastic bag over their hands so they don’t touch anything yucky.

3. Donate some toys to children in need

Let’s face it, most of our kids have too much. I know mine do. Encourage your child to select a few toys that are in good, working condition and donate them to someone in need.

If they have younger cousins or there are young kids in the neighborhood, you could take the toys there. Otherwise, donating to St. Vincent or somewhere similar is a good option.

4. Help them write a kind note for their teacher

If your child can write on their own, this is a good one for them to do alone. Otherwise, ask your child what they want to say to their teacher and help them write it. This is perfect for teachers of any grade as they could all use a note to let them know they are appreciated.

5. Donate canned goods to a local shelter

Have your kids help you gather canned goods and take them to a local shelter for donation.

6. Do a chore for a sibling or do an extra chore

I know my kids would be so surprised and happy if their sibling did one of their chores. I also know that the happy sibling would likely do the same in return, so it could end up being a never-ending (but awesome) cycle.

If your child doesn’t have siblings, they can do an extra chore to help their parents out.

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7. Thank emergency services personnel

Police officers, firefighters, EMTs and other professionals in the emergency services field sacrifice themselves each day to protect us and our towns. Oftentimes they work long hours with very little sleep, and they also work weekends, holidays, and overnight shifts.

By simply making them a picture or writing a note about how much they are appreciated, you are sure to make their day. You could take it a step further and bake cookies or another treat to deliver with your kids.

8. Leave coins on a ride-on toy at the mall or grocery store

Our local grocery store has a pony for kids to ride on. I’m going to have my kids leave a handful of coins on the pony as an act of kindness so that other kids can ride even if their parents don’t have any change on them.

9. Move a neighbor’s garbage can from the end of the driveway back to their house

If you’re anything like me, your garbage can may sit at the end of your driveway for a couple of days before you pull it back up to the house after garbage pick-up day. Teach your kids to help out the neighbor after trash has been picked up by having them pull the can back to the house. It would be a big help!

10. Return someone else’s cart to the cart corral at the store

When someone is finishing up loading their groceries into their car, run over and offer to put it away for them. It’s the simple things in life that are the most meaningful sometimes.

If you see a stranded cart in a parking lot, that’s a good one to put away, too. It’ll help out the store employee who has to collect all of the carts.

11. Share a favorite toy with a sibling or a friend.

Sharing is caring, right? Encourage your child to share their toys as a way of showing kindness to others.

12. Smile at everyone you see

Challenge your children to smile at everyone they pass today. A smile can make someone’s day and it’ll make you and your child feel good, too.

13. Read a book to someone or to a pet

Being read to is soothing and can reduce stress or anxiety. With this being the case, reading a book to someone is one of the kindest things you can do.

If you can’t think of a person to read to, find a pet who is willing to sit still or cuddle. The shelter is full of animals who would love some attention.

This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.

Final Thoughts on Random Acts of Kindness to Do With Kids

Random acts of kindness are amazing anytime of the year, but with National Random Acts of Kindness Day coming so quickly, it’s a good time to talk about it with your kiddos and spend a day practicing it. By the end of the day, you may find that your kids are coming up with more acts of kindness on their own!

Which random acts of kindness would you add to this list? Tell me in the comments!

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Adulting Big kid fun Family Activities Free Activities Printables Teenager Toddler and Preschool Age Fun Toddler and Preschool Age Learning

Fun Trivia for Kids and Adults – Free Printables

I’ve always loved trivia so when I found out that January 4th is National Trivia Day, I knew I had to celebrate in some way. I decided to create a kids trivia printable, and then I became inspired to create one for adults, too! So — here are two free trivia printables.

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Free Trivia Printables

Trivia for Kids

This printable is perfect for siblings or for parents to quiz their kids. You can even play parents vs. kids and read the kid questions to the kids and the adult questions (see below) to the adults.

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The Answers:

1. How many points are scored during a touchdown in football? Answer – 6

2. Which famous painter cut off a part of his ear? Answer – Van Gogh

3. Which character’s nose grew bigger each time he lied? Answer – Pinocchio

4. What is the world’s largest mammal? Answer – Blue whale

5. What is a baby goat called? Answer – Kid

6. Where can you find the Eiffel Tower? Answer – Paris

7. What is the money called that is used in Germany? Answer – Euros

8. Who sings the song ‘Shake it Off’? Answer – Taylor Swift

9. Who was left alone in the movie ‘Home Alone’? Answer – Kevin

10. Who was the first president of the United States? Answer – George Washington

Trivia for Adults

For a night with friends or an easy date night with your partner, trivia is a fun way to spend your time together. This trivia printable has questions for everyone, so feel free to split up into teams and determine a winner at the end!

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The Answers:

1. In which year was the first iPhone released? Answer – 2007

2. What is the shortcut for the “paste” function on a computer? Answer – Ctrl + V

3. In what year was Tupac killed? Answer – 1996

4. When did the Great Depression occur? Answer – 1930’s

5. What is the diameter of the earth? Answer – 8,000 miles

6. Where is the largest desert located? Answer – Antarctica

7. Which author first became a billionaire by writing books? Answer – J.K. Rowling

8. In which state did Roseanne and the rest of the Connor family live? Answer – Illinois

9. What is the Richter scale used for? Answer – Measuring earthquakes

10. On the TV show Family Ties, who did Michael Fox play? Answer – Alex P Keaton

My Favorite Trivia Games

Trivia is a common game night theme in our house, and we have two trivia games that we play over and over again.

The first one is Trivial Pursuit, the Classic Edition.

The other is Trivillennial.

I honestly couldn’t choose between the two, it really depends on who I’m playing with.

This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.

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Final Thoughts: Free Trivia Printables

Trivia is such a fun game, and it’s a great way to bond with your kids, your spouse, or your friends. Do you like to play? Is there a certain trivia game you prefer? Tell me about it in the comments.